Here Is How We Can Help
- New carpet is expensive, and carpet cleaning prolongs the life of carpeting. Regular carpet cleaning using the extraction method can increase the life of carpets significantly, protecting your floor-covering investment. Most carpet warranties require that carpets be cleaned using the extraction method within a specific amount of time, usually every 12 to 18 months.
- Regular carpet cleaning can prevent your carpets from harming your health. They are a perfect breeding ground for allergens and bacteria, and they can expose you and your co-workers to unhealthy contaminants. This is especially important step to take for anyone who suffers from allergies.
- “Steam cleaning”, also known as hot water soil extraction cleaning, involves spraying hot water, sometimes with added cleaning chemicals, on the carpet. Simultaneously, the water is vacuumed up, along with any dislodged and dissolved dirt. Many carpet manufacturers recommend professional hot water extraction as the most effective carpet cleaning method which also provides a deeper clean.
Emergency Cleaning Tips
Spot Removal Hints for Carpet
- Soak up as much of the liquid as possible – quickly, using a clean white terry cloth rag or unprinted white paper towels. Work from the outside of the stain toward the center to avoid spreading the stain.
- Water is still the best solvent. Before applying chemicals, rinse the area with water and blot. For thicker carpets, cover the damp area with clean terry cloths and apply pressure (books, bricks, etc.) for a few hours.
- Before using a chemical spot remover or any of the solutions below, be sure to test it on a small discreet area of the room to ensure it will not discolor the carpet. NEVER use a bleach product of any kind on a carpeted area. It is much safer to use diluted dish soap, white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide with a sponge or soft bristle brush to loosen the stain.
Help for Specific StainsAlcohol
Blot up as much as you can with a clean sponge or rag. Soak spot with a mild detergent solution or a small amount of white vinegar in water. Blot, rinse with clean water, blot again. It may be necessary to use hydrogen peroxide to get any excess alcohol out.
Blood
Blot up all you can with cold water on your sponge or cloth. Rinse with clear ammonia or hydrogen peroxide, cold water and blot. If the blood stains are old, soak the area with salt water or hydrogen peroxide before blotting and rinsing with cold water.
Coffee
Blot excess as soon as it is spilled. Mix 1 teaspoon mild dish detergent with l cup lukewarm water. Sponge affected area with this solution. Blot with clean cloth or white paper towels. Mix 1/3 cup white vinegar with 2/3 cup lukewarm water. Sponge area and blot dry with paper towels. Club soda may also work in an emergency.
Cigarette Burns
Small burns may be remedied by trimming off the burnt ends of the carpet and rubbing the area with steel wool. Be sure to rinse with mild detergent and water, blot. A large area will require removal of that section of carpet, replacing it with a new piece.
Chocolate
Scrape off what you can see. Using a sponge or clean cloth, blot with a mixture of mild detergent and water. Blot and rinse.
Dairy Products
Using a sponge or clean cloth, rinse the area with a mild detergent and water. Be sure to rinse and blot several times to remove both the stain and odor.
Greasy Food
A mild detergent and hot water solution on a sponge works best. Rinse with hot water and if stain needs more attention, try hydrogen peroxide and rinse thoroughly. Blot with plain white paper towels.
Gum
Apply dry or regular ice to the gum, allowing it to freeze and become brittle. Break it from the carpet and then use hydrogen peroxide or a cleaning solution to remove the stain. Always rinse and blot.
Ink
Saturate the spot with a mild detergent solution, rinse and blot. If it is still there, try inexpensive hair spray, spraying directly on the spot and blotting. Ink is persistent and may require using alcohol or a chemical cleaner. If the spot turns yellow, a small amount of rust remover may help. Always rinse and blot with clean cloth or plain white paper towels.
Ketchup
Combine 1/4 teaspoon mild dish detergent with l cup of lukewarm water. Dip white cloth or paper towel into solution and press on the spot ~ wait about 15 minutes. It takes time to break down the stain. Soak up excess liquid with dry, white cloth. Next, mix solution of l cup white vinegar with 2 cups lukewarm water. Dab and press cloth on spot and wait another 15 minutes (vinegar will remove residual detergent). For bad stains, place heavy object on top of cloth or paper towels while waiting 15 minutes.
Lipstick
Blot excess. Apply rubbing alcohol and agitate slightly. Rinse with warm water and blot with clean cloth or white paper towels. If stain is not removed, a chemical carpet extractor may be needed. Always rinse with warm water and blot dry. Continue until spill no longer transfers to towel.
Mildew
Vacuum up as much as you can and then use clear ammonia or a disinfectant and a sponge. Try a little hydrogen peroxide if needed and blot.
Mustard
Use a detergent solution and a sponge, rinse with white vinegar, then water, and blot.
Soda Pop
Club soda may be the best emergency spotter to have on hand. Dab up spilled soda pop quickly then pour club soda directly on the stain until a white cloth or paper towel absorbs all of the color. Blot carpet by folding cloth and then standing on it. You may want to use lukewarm water to further blot the area. The salt in the club soda should prevent permanent staining.
Wine
Blot excess wine from carpet with clean cloth or white paper towel. Combine 1 teaspoon carpet shampoo or mild dish detergent with 1 cup hydrogen peroxide. Soak a clean sponge, squeeze, and gently blot the stain. Sponge with warm water and blot with a cloth or paper towel. May need to repeat several times. Club soda may also be used.